acne fulminans symptoms

Acne Fulminans Treatment

One of the rarest but extremely severe forms of acne that typically affects young males

Acne fulminans is an extremely severe – thankfully uncommon, form ofacne conglobatathat almost always affects males, usually young but older people are affected too.

Its not usually seen in women.

It needs urgent treatment due to its severity, not just because it is highly unsightly but also due to the affects it can have on mental and physical health.

Acne Fulminans Symptoms

Inflamed and ulcerated acne nodules typically on chest and back

Bleeding crusts over acne nodules

Severe acne scarring

Fever/lethargy and feeling of being unwell

Painful joints that can include ankles, knee joints and shoulders

Weight loss

Lack of appetite

Enlarged spleen and liver

Sufferers are also often anaemic and have a raised white blood cell count.

Causes Of Acne Fulminans

It is believed that acne fulminans is caused through a combination of an abnormal increase of the male hormones androgens, genetics and autoimmune complex disease.

Other factors include:

Extreme hypersensitivity to p.acnes bacteria

Anabolic steroid use (typically used by bodybuilders) and testosterone therapy (prescribed and illegal)

Possible reaction to taking oral Isotretinoin

Can Acne Fulminans Be Treated?

Acne fulminans is challenging to treat and will require lengthy and aggressive treatment for several months under the care of a dermatologist.

Treatment typically will consist of:

Corticosteroids (Prednisone)

Very high doses of oral antibiotics

NSAID medications such as Aspirin

Low doses of Isotretinoin after it has been brought under control with steroids

TNF-a inhibitors

Topical acne medications will not help this kind of acne.

If treated correctly, the prognosis is good.

Although its likely you will never suffer from this kind of acne, any kind of acne can be distressing and debilitating.

If you’re tired of taking prescribed medications that cause unpleasant side effects and do little to help clear your skin, why not take a look at some of our recommended acne treatments in Ireland by clicking on the link below?

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The information in this website is for advice and guidance only. It is based on my own intensive research and personal experiences, and is not intended in any way to replace professional medical advice, or to diagnose or treat any health conditions.
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